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Concurrent 4C: Abstract Session - Opioid Agonist Therapy and Safer Supply: Experiences, Outcomes, and Models

Tracks
Track 3
Thursday, October 16, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Speaker

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Mr Charles Henderson
Community/ Student
Burnet Intitute

QUALITATIVE EVIDENCE OF SERVICE USER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES ON LONG-ACTING INJECTABLE BUPRENORPHINE FOR OPIOID TREATMENT – A SCOPING REVIEW

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Charles is with the Burnet Institute and Monash, employed as a engagement coordinator working on community initiatives connecting to research in hepatitis C. Also undertaking postgraduate research on user experiences on injectable buprenorphine. Always connects a living experience viewpoint regardless of role. Remains committed to the well-being of his community.
Mr Adrick Ndelwa
Phychologist
Drug Control And Enforcement Authority

Examination of the psychosocial and structural barriers to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) adherence among people with substance use disorders in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Adrick Simon Ndelwa is a psychologist and mental health coordinator working in drug use prevention and treatment across Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. With a Master’s in Social Psychology, he also develops training manuals and facilitates capacity building for professionals addressing substance use disorders.
Dr Francis Benedict
Psychiatrist
Temeke Regional Referral Hospital

TRANSITION TO METHADONE TAKE AWAY DOSING AND PERCEIVED BENEFITS AT A HIGH-CAPACITY TEMEKE METHADONE CLINIC IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Dr Francis Lukuwi Benedict is a Psychiatrist working at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital as the head of department of Psychiatry and addiction services. He is supervising the daily managements of around 1000 PWUD clients attending at Temeke Regional referral Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Mrs Yolaan Andrews
Key Populations Programme Manager
Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA)

DECENTRALISING HEPATITIS AND OPIATE SUBSTITUTION THERAPY SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH MOBILE CLINIC SERVICES

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Human Rights and Key Populations Programme Manager for NACOSA, the Principal Recipient for the South African Global Fund programme. Qualifications: BSocSc; Honours and a Master Degree in Social Policy and Management (University of Cape Town); and a Masters in International Social and Health Policy (University College of Oslo, Norway).
Mrs Tshireletso Victoria Ngobeni
Clinical Associate
Cosup (community Oriented Substance Use Programme)

SIDE EFFECTS AND WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT: EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE ON OPIOID AGONIST THERAPY WHO TRANSITION TO DIFFERENT METHADONE FORMULATIONS IN TSHWANE, SOUTH AFRICA

3:00 PM - 3:05 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

TV Ngobeni is dedicated to harm reduction and community-based responses to substance use. Working with COSUP, they focus on improving site collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and program evaluation. Holding a master's degree, they actively contribute to research and article writing on harm reduction, to enhance evidence-based strategies in addressing substance use challenges.
Professor Paul Dietze
Co-program Director
Burnet Institute/National Drug Research Institute

The relationship between opioid agonist therapy and cessation of injecting drug use: Evidence from a prospective cohort study of people who inject drugs

3:05 PM - 3:10 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Professor Dietze is one of Australia's leading alcohol and other drug researchers. He leads large studies of people who use drugs and has played a major role in the development of responses to opioid overdose in particular.
Dr Elaine Saayman
Clinical Director
Sediba Hope Medical Centre

THE EFFECT OF OPIOID SUBSTITUTION THERAPY ON HEALTH OUTCOMES IN PEOPLE WHO USE DRUG IN SOUTH AFRICA

3:10 PM - 3:15 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Dr Elaine Saayman is a clinician and researcher at Sediba Hope Medical Centre NPC, in Tshwane, South Africa, with a passion for improving access to healthcare for underserved populations. Her experience spans across various aspects of HIV and viral hepatitis management, including clinical care, research, and program implementation.
Dr Blaire Brewerton
Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dassa

THE IMPACT OF A PILOT SUPERVISED ALCOHOL PROVISION PROGRAM IN HOMELESS FIRST NATIONS AUSTRALIANS WITH ALCOHOL USE DISORDER WITHIN METROPOLITAN ADELAIDE AS AN INTERVENTION TO MAINTAIN ONGOING ENGAGEMENT IN HEALTHCARE – A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

3:15 PM - 3:20 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Dr Blaire Brewerton is a newly Fellowed Addiction Medicine Specialist, having trained as a Specialist Physician in Adelaide, South Australia. He is passionate about delivery of specialist care to underprivileged and under resourced areas. He has a strong interest in the interface and medical sequelae of addiction.
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Mr Matthew Bonn
Drug Culture Advisor
ChangeMark Research & Evaluation

PERCEVIED IMPACTS FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF SAFER OPIOID SUPPLY PROGRAMS IN ONTARIO, CANADA

3:20 PM - 3:25 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Matthew is an International Board member with INHSU, social media editor with IJDP, drug culture advisor with ChangeMark, and a harm reduction knowledge broker. He was also on the 64th Canadian delegation to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. He is a current drug user and a formerly incarcerated person.
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Ms. Juls Budau
Masters Student
University Of Northern British Columbia

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN WE SAY “IT WORKS”?: USER PERSPECTIVES ON STIMULANT PRESCRIBED SAFER SUPPLY (SPSS)

3:25 PM - 3:30 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Juls Budau is a research advisor at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia, and an MSW student at the University of Northern British Columbia. She is also an OAT/PSS patient with eight years of frontline harm reduction experience.
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